Latest news with #WorldBrainTumourDay
Business Recorder
2 hours ago
- Health
- Business Recorder
Eid-ul-Azha: CM appreciates district admin, ‘Suthra' Punjab workers
LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, in her message on the social media platform X, lauded that the district administration especially workers of 'Suthra' Punjab have vigorously performed their duties with dedication and integrity during Eid-ul-Azha across Punjab. She highlighted, 'Animal waste was collected, streets, adjacent areas, 'mohallas' were cleaned and roads were washed with phenyl and rose water in Punjab.' The Chief Minister commended the district administration and 'Suthra' Punjab workers for carrying out historic cleanliness operation on the eve of Eid-ul-Azha. Moreover, the CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif in her message on the eve of 'World Brain Tumour Day' said that brain tumour is a silent yet devastating disease. She said, 'It is far more than a physical affliction; it is a profound challenge for both the patient and the medical consultant. Brain tumour not only becomes a difficult trial for the patients but for their families as well. Timely diagnosis and treatment of brain tumour is the key to a safer and healthier life.' She highlighted, 'Raising public awareness about such silent diseases is the real strength and success. Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital will serve as a beacon of hope for cancer and tumour patients. I pay tribute to all those who are making sincere strives in the treatment of brain tumours.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Hindustan Times
15 hours ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Can mobile phone use cause brain tumour? Doctor debunks 5 myths and shares facts
Brain tumours can be frightening, but addressing them effectively starts with separating facts from myths. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Manish Vaish, principal director, neuro and spine surgery, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali, said, 'Brain tumours are often surrounded by fear, confusion, and misinformation. Early diagnosis, the right treatment, and a supportive environment can significantly improve outcomes.' Also read | How to detect brain tumours in children early: Watch out for these warning signs The doctor further debunks myths about brain tumours: Fact: Not every brain tumour is malignant. In fact, many brain tumours are benign (non-cancerous), meaning they do not spread to other parts of the body. However, even benign tumours can cause serious issues due to their location in the brain and the pressure they may exert on surrounding tissues. That's why timely diagnosis and monitoring are important, regardless of the tumour type. Fact: While headaches can be a symptom, not all individuals with a brain tumour will experience them. Other early signs might include seizures, personality changes, memory problems, vision disturbances, or speech difficulties. Often, these symptoms are subtle and may be mistaken for stress, ageing, or other common conditions. Persistent or unusual symptoms should not be ignored. Also read | Brain tumours: Causes, treatment, prognosis, 8 new alternatives for patients Fact: There is no conclusive scientific evidence that everyday use of mobile phones or exposure to microwave ovens causes brain tumours. Numerous international studies have dismissed a clear link. That said, more long-term research is still ongoing to further understand potential environmental factors. Fact: Modern medical advancements have revolutionised the way brain tumours are diagnosed and treated. In many cases, minimally invasive procedures, stereotactic radiosurgery (like Gamma Knife), or targeted therapies are now available. Treatments are individualised based on the tumour's type, size, and location, as well as the patient's overall health. Fact: This is perhaps the most dangerous myth. Thanks to advances in neurosurgery, neuro-navigation, radiotherapy, and personalised medicine, many patients with brain tumours go on to live full and meaningful lives. Outcomes depend on early detection, tumour type, and access to specialised care. Hope, combined with science, goes a long way in improving quality of life. Also read | World Brain Tumour Day 2024: 12 surprising signs of brain tumour that people usually ignore Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
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Business Standard
17 hours ago
- Health
- Business Standard
World Brain Tumour Day: Why awareness and a healthy lifestyle matters
Let's be honest—brain tumours are not exactly a dinner table topic. But on World Brain Tumour Day, observed every year on June 8, it is worth pausing for that conversation. Early detection and preventive awareness can save lives. While some brain tumours are genetic or unavoidable, emerging research suggests that lifestyle choices may play a bigger role in prevention than previously believed. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research's Hospital-Based Cancer Registry data (2021), brain tumours accounted for 1.6% of all cancer cases. Every year, around 40,000–50,000 people in India are diagnosed with brain tumours. Of these, 20% are children. The average survival rate for all malignant brain tumour patients stands at only 34.4%. What is a brain tumour and should you be worried? A brain tumour is an abnormal growth of cells in or around the brain. There are over 120 known types of brain tumours, each with varying symptoms. These may be cancerous or benign—but even non-cancerous tumours can interfere with critical brain functions. Common symptoms include: Persistent headaches, especially in the morning Nausea or vomiting without clear cause Seizures (appearing in adulthood) Vision or hearing disturbances Unexplained memory loss or personality changes Poor coordination or balance 'Early intervention helps prevent irreversible damage to areas controlling speech, movement, vision or memory. Early-stage tumours may respond better to surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Studies show that early detection is associated with longer survival, especially for lower-grade gliomas, meningiomas and some metastatic tumours. Early diagnosis also reduces caregiver burden, long-term disability and healthcare costs,' said Dr Puneet Malik, brain, spine and nerve specialist, Yashoda Super Speciality Hospital, Ghaziabad. Can lifestyle help prevent brain tumours? While not all brain tumours are preventable, a health-conscious lifestyle plays a significant role in reducing overall cancer risk and promoting brain health. You cannot change your genes, but you can reduce inflammation, manage stress and eliminate key risk factors. Steps that support brain health: Eat brain-friendly foods: Leafy greens, berries, walnuts and fatty fish are rich in antioxidants and omega-3s that help reduce inflammation. Exercise regularly: 30–45 minutes of moderate activity, four to five times a week, has been linked to better brain health and lower cancer risk. Avoid toxins: Limit alcohol, quit tobacco and reduce exposure to carcinogens such as pesticides and unnecessary radiation. Sleep well and manage stress: Chronic stress and poor sleep weaken your immune system. Yoga, meditation and screen-time breaks help protect brain function. Stay informed: Get regular health check-ups, especially if you have a family history of neurological conditions or cancer. Dr Malik added, 'Avoid unnecessary CT scans or X-rays, especially in children. Minimise contact with pesticides, solvents and heavy metals. Use personal protective equipment if working in high-risk environments such as agriculture or chemical plants. Emphasise fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and omega-3 fats. Avoid processed meats, refined sugars and excessive red meat. Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E may protect brain cells. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week. Prioritise 7–9 hours of sleep per night to allow brain detoxification. Consider genetic counselling if there is a strong family history.' Dr (Lt Col) Harmandeep Singh Brar, neurosurgery, Fortis Hospital, Mohali, added, 'Adoption of a healthy lifestyle, balanced diet, regular exercise, health check-ups and avoiding environmental hazards such as unnecessary radiation exposure can help in early detection and treatment.' MRI brain scan Detects structural abnormalities and tumours 4,000 – 12,000 CT scan (brain) Useful for detecting larger or fast-growing tumours 2,000 – 7,000 PET scan Helps identify malignant tumours 15,000 – 30,000 EEG (electroencephalogram) Evaluates brain's electrical activity 1,500 – 5,000 Neurological consultation For reviewing symptoms and receiving guidance 500 – 2,000 Tip: Many hospitals offer health packages or discounts during awareness weeks. Check with local diagnostic centres for any current offers. Final thought: Small steps, big difference In a world full of processed foods, screens, stress and pollution, your brain needs all the help it can get. Whether it is a morning walk, a handful of almonds or finally booking that overdue scan—it all adds up. Take care of your brain. After all, it takes care of everything else.
Indian Express
21 hours ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Healthy lifestyle, balanced diet & regular exercise may help reduce brain tumour risk, says expert
Brain tumour affects several people across the world each year, and to raise awareness about the condition and its related complications, World Brain Tumour Day is observed on June 8 every year. Dr (Lt Col) Harmandeep Singh Brar, senior consultant, Neurosurgery, Fortis Hospital, Mohali, says that a brain tumour is an abnormal growth of cells in the brain or its covering (meninges). 'Brain tumours can be either malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous). Only about one-third (27.9%) of the brain tumours are malignant. These can be classified as primary CNS tumours, originating in the brain or secondary tumours spread from cancers elsewhere in the body,' says Dr Brar. As for risk factors, according to Dr Brar, about 5-10% of the patients have a positive family history of brain tumours, with exposure to high-dose radiation significantly increasing the risk of brain cancer. 'Brain tumours can develop at any age, but it is more common in the fifth and sixth decades of life, and cancerous tumours are more common in males and benign lesions occur more frequently in women,' he adds. The most common symptoms include recurrent and strong headaches, severe during the early morning hours, and is associated with vomiting. One may also experience seizures or fits, weakness or numbness in the arms or legs (paralysis), speech disturbances, vision problems, hearing problems or tinnitus, difficulty in swallowing, and imbalance while walking or experiencing vertigo.' Discussing that the diagnosis of a brain tumour depended upon the presence of clinical symptoms such as headaches or seizures, Dr Brar says other related symptoms along with neurological examinations and radiological examinations such as NCCT (Computed Tomography) of the head and a contrast MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of the brain could help detect the disease. The treatment options are many, depending upon the type of tumour, chemotherapy and radiation therapy can be used alone or as an adjunct to the surgical management. Though brain tumours could not be prevented, Dr Brar adds, 'Adoption of a healthy lifestyle, balanced diet, regular exercise, health check-ups and avoiding environmental hazards such as unnecessary radiation exposure can help in early detection and treatment.' Senior neurologists at Park Hospital, Mohali, say there are more than 100 distinct types of primary brain tumours, each with its spectrum of presentations, treatments, and outcomes. However, advanced technologies have made it possible for neuro experts to venture into areas which were, for long, considered to be unapproachable or have unacceptable levels of risk of injury.
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
World Brain Tumour Day: Early Detection Saves Lives, say city doctors
Nagpur: Eminent neurologists from the city joined experts from across the globe on World Brain Tumour Day to raise awareness about the disease. At an event held at the Indian Medical Association (IMA) headquarters in Nagpur, specialists emphasised the importance of early diagnosis, discussed symptoms and treatment options, and highlighted the multifaceted challenges faced by patients and their families. Renowned neurologist and Padma Shri Dr Chandrashekhar Meshram stressed the need for timely detection and comprehensive care. He said awareness about the type of brain tumour and its symptoms is crucial. "If diagnosed in the early stages, proper treatment can save lives. Therefore, timely diagnosis and treatment are extremely important," he added. A brain tumour is an abnormal growth of cells within the brain, which may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). These growths can either originate in the brain (primary brain tumours) or spread from other parts of the body (secondary or metastatic tumours). Prominent neurosurgeon Dr Vivek Agrawal reiterated the importance of awareness, stating that early detection and medical intervention can significantly improve outcomes. However, due to the complexity of the brain and its functions, brain tumours can be difficult to diagnose in the early stages. Common symptoms that require attention include persistent headaches, nausea or vomiting, seizures, vision or hearing problems, memory loss or confusion, and difficulty with balance and coordination. Dr Agrawal also explained that the purpose of Brain Tumour Day is to educate the public about the disease and its impact, to express solidarity with patients, survivors, and caregivers, and to promote and fund research for better treatments and potential cures. In India, the prevalence of brain tumours is estimated to be 8 to 10 cases per 1,00,000 population, with around 28,000 new cases reported annually. Neurologist Dr Ninad Shrikhande pointed out that the actual figure may be significantly higher due to underreporting, largely caused by a lack of awareness, limited healthcare accessibility, and financial constraints. Despite the challenges associated with a brain tumour diagnosis, experts conveyed a strong message of hope. Advancements in medical science, combined with increased awareness, are leading to better treatment outcomes and improved quality of life for many patients.
